What is ESD?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects caused by contact, an electrical short or dielectric breakdown. The ESD occurs when differently-charged objects are brought close together or when the dielectric between them breaks down, often creating a visible spark.

Modern electronic components are becoming more and more sensitive to static discharge, which leads to antistatic protection requirements broadening and toughening.

Static electricity is often generated through the separation of electric charges that occurs when two materials are brought into contact and then separated. A simple movement, such as human walking by in casual cloths is enough to generate up to 30 000 volts, that is more than enough to harm ESD sensitive electronic components. At the same time electrostatic discharge of less than 2 000 volts will be invisible and imperceptible for a human. Most often electronic components slight damage caused by electrostatic discharge, does not lead to immediate failure of the entire device, but after a certain time, the unit starts to work improperly, or does not work at all, which results in unexpected defects, customers claims and loss of product reputation and future sales.

That’s why everything that is used along the process of sensitive electronic equipment production, installation or repairing – from hand tools and clothing to furniture and flooring – should meet requirements of antistatic protection. Thus high-quality antistatic furniture becomes a key element in comprehensive ESD protection.